AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
The physiological effects of pressure and stress on athletes and non-athletes
Winning can lead to complacency and arrogance, hindering learning and risk-taking. Stress is necessary for improvement as organisms thrive under pressure. Pressure triggers physiological responses like blood shifting to large muscle groups, causing tightness and loss of fine motor control. It also results in tunnel vision and changes in brain chemistry. Understanding these effects helps individuals cope with pressure through methods like breathing exercises and practice under stress, which builds resilience. Practicing under adversarial conditions prepares individuals for real-life challenges, as exemplified by Tiger Woods' approach to training bunker shots.